Prof Peter Sammonds
Professor of Geophysics
Dept of Earth Sciences
Faculty of Maths & Physical Sciences
- Joined UCL
- 1st Oct 2001
Research summary
My research aims are to investigate the mechanics of the Earth's crust and ice sheets by studying the fundamental physics and mechanics of geological materials, through theory, field work and laboratory experiments. The Earth's crust and ice sheets are the parts of the solid Earth with which humankind interact directly, and therefore of the greatest interest to me. I apply my research towards studying the impacts of climate change and natural hazards, particularly in relation to my role as Director, UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction.
Teaching summary
Director, MSc Risk and Disaster Science
Chair, Risk and Disaster Reduction Board of Examiners
GEOLGR12 Earthquake Risks (MSc)
GEOLGR97 MSc Independent Project
I was:
Founding Director, BSc/MSci Geophysics
Founding Director, BSc/MSci Earth Sciences
I established and taught:
GH07/GG09/M002 Earthquake Seismology and Earthquake Hazard (MSc/MSci)
3030 Field Methods in Active Tectonics (3rd yr UG)
C450 Glaciology & Environment, 3rd year course
B252 Geodynamics (2nd yr geophysics course)
B254 Earth Physics (2nd yr geophysics course)
3rd year Abruzzo and Vesuvius geophysics field course
3rd year Glaciology and Environment field course
I have taught:
Geological field work (1st year), Marche, Italy
Education
- University College London
- Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy | 1988
- University of Bristol
- First Degree, Bachelor of Science | 1981
Biography
Director, UCL Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, 2010 to present
Professor of Geophysics, Department of Earth Sciences, UCL, 2001 to present.
NERC-ESRC Strategic Advisor, Increasing Resilience programme, 2010 to present
Deputy Head of Department, Earth Sciences, UCL, 2006 to 2010
Professor, Centre for Earthquake Prediction Research, Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo, 1999.
Royal Society University Research Fellow, Dept. of Earth Sciences, UCL, 1992 to 2001.